SF Giants call up old friend after placing left-handed reliever on IL

The SF Giants got some bad news on Saturday as left-handed reliever Erik Miller was placed on the IL with an elbow sprain. In a corresponding move, the team called up old friend and Sacramento native Scott Alexander from Triple-A.

This news comes via Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. One never wants to hear that a pitcher has an elbow sprain in their throwing arm because it can often portend a more serious injury has occurred that could require surgery. Of course, the hope is that Miller can avoid that but it is an ominous sign to say the least.

SF Giants place Erik Miller on IL, recall Scott Alexander

It is unfortunate because Miller was in the midst of a very strong season. In 36 appearances and 30 innings pitched, Miller had a 1.50 ERA. It seems he was skirting by with some good luck given his high walk rate, but one cannot argue with the results as he was clearly one of the most reliable arms in a Giants bullpen that has been strong all season.

With Miller on the shelf, the Giants called up Alexander who pitched with the Giants in 2022 and 2023. The Sonoma State product was solid with the Giants in those seasons. In 2022 he had a 1.04 ERA in 17 games and in 2023 he had a 4.66 ERA in 55 appearances.

He had a good season with the A's in 2024 as he sported a 2.56 ERA in 45 games. He was with the Colorado Rockies earlier this season and struggled to the tune of a 6.06 ERA in 19 appearances. Colorado moved on from him and the Giants swooped in to sign him to a minor league deal.

Alexander did not exactly show signs of turning things around in Sacramento. He allowed eight earned runs in 5 and 1/3 innings pitched, but the Giants need another left-handed option in the bullpen with Miller hurt since Joey Lucchesi is the only other southpaw they have in their bullpen.

We will see if Alexander can recapture his form with the Giants. But if his struggles continue and if the Giants are without Miller for a while, then they may need to explore the trade market for a left-handed reliever.

For now, let's hope Miller's injury is not something serious since he has become an integral part of the team's bullpen this season.